Lydiate's Lions 'disadvantage'

Lydiate's Lions 'disadvantage'

Dan Lydiate spent much of the season on the sidelines with a serious ankle injury

Wales flanker Dan Lydiate admits he is at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to selection for this summer's Lions tour of Hong Kong and Australia.

The star blindside impressed in his final home game for the Dragons against Munster on Friday prior to his move away from Rodney Parade next season but he has played very little rugby this term due to an ankle injury.

Lydiate required surgery after suffering the setback against Edinburgh in October and only returned to action last month.

It has left him with limited opportunities to press his claims for a spot on the plane Down Under despite a squad place looking a near certainty when he was named Player of the Championship in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations.

The 25-year-old was absent for Wales' defence of their Championship crown this spring, sitting out the defeat to Ireland, the away wins over France, Italy, Scotland and the record-breaking success against England.

He also had to watch all four Dove Men Series autumn Tests and hasn't worn the red jersey since the summer series against the Wallabies.

"I can only do what I do but I have not played a lot of rugby this year so I am at a disadvantage straight away, especially not having played international games," said Lydiate, who has 27 Wales caps to his name.

"All I am focused on is one more game at Edinburgh and I owe it to the Dragons to play well in that game, then what will be will be.

"I want to build on what I did against Munster. It was a fast game just as it was at Ulster the previous week. That can only help get the match fitness back.

"And It was just nice to enjoy the winning feeling after the game, that buzz.

"If it's meant to be, it will be when it comes to the Lions. I've just got to focus on Edinburgh and hopefully I will get on one of the tours (Wales are touring Japan)."

Lions head coach Warren Gatland will name his squad a week tomorrow, with back row looking like one of the most competitive areas of selection.